Vietnam Proposes Blocking Internet Access to Users
In Vietnam, the government is known for its practice of blocking online content that criticizes the one-party state. However, it is now proposing a new measure to go even further by blocking users themselves from accessing the internet.
The government has drafted rules to collaborate with internet service providers (ISPs) in order to disconnect individuals from the internet if they share content that is considered illegal. This implementation could take place as early as this year. This move poses a threat to further restrict web access in a country where an estimated 1,000 websites, including those of the BBC and Freedom House, are already blocked.
Emphasis on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Goal 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- Goal 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
Impact on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)
- Blocking internet access contradicts Goal 9, which aims to promote inclusive and sustainable industrialization and foster innovation. Access to the internet is crucial for economic growth and development.
- This proposed measure also undermines Goal 16, which seeks to promote peaceful and inclusive societies, provide access to justice for all, and build effective, accountable, and inclusive institutions at all levels. Restricting internet access limits freedom of expression and access to information, hindering the development of a transparent and accountable society.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators
-
SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions
- Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements
- Indicator 16.10.2: Number of countries that adopt and implement constitutional, statutory, and/or policy guarantees for public access to information
-
SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
- Target 9.c: Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the internet in least developed countries by 2020
- Indicator 9.c.1: Proportion of population covered by a mobile network, by technology
Analysis
The article highlights the issue of Vietnam proposing to block internet users from accessing the internet if they share content deemed illegal. This raises concerns about freedom of expression and access to information, which are relevant to SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions. Target 16.10 specifically aims to ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms. The proposed action by the Vietnamese government goes against this target by restricting internet access for individuals who share content deemed illegal.
Furthermore, the article also mentions that Vietnam already blocks an estimated 1,000 websites. This relates to SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure. Target 9.c focuses on increasing access to information and communications technology, including universal and affordable access to the internet. The blocking of websites in Vietnam restricts access to information and limits the country’s progress towards achieving this target.
Regarding indicators, the article does not explicitly mention any indicators. However, it implies that the number of blocked websites and the potential implementation of rules to kick people offline can be used as indicators to measure progress towards the identified targets. For example, the number of websites blocked can indicate the level of restriction on access to information, while the implementation of rules to kick people offline can reflect the extent of limitations on fundamental freedoms.
SDGs, Targets, and Indicators Table
| SDGs | Targets | Indicators |
|---|---|---|
| SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions | Target 16.10: Ensure public access to information and protect fundamental freedoms, in accordance with national legislation and international agreements | Indicator 16.10.2: Number of countries that adopt and implement constitutional, statutory, and/or policy guarantees for public access to information |
| SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure | Target 9.c: Significantly increase access to information and communications technology and strive to provide universal and affordable access to the internet in least developed countries by 2020 | Indicator 9.c.1: Proportion of population covered by a mobile network, by technology |
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Source: asia.nikkei.com
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